Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Disappointed with new 2011 Sienna - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Disappointed - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I was a loyal Sienna LE owner since 2006 driving about 35,000 km a year. Previous model was well finished, good handling, and reliable van. That perception changed when I looked for replacement of the van with a new 2011 model after car accident. Obviously my first choice was same make and model. I visited local Toyota dealership and looked at all models of Sienna. I was surprised to find out that interior finish (even the top of the line models)looks so cheap with low quality hard plastics resembling domestic products. I was so turned off by the interior, that I even didnt care to take the van for a test drive. Will look now at new Honda or Nissan vans.

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  So far so good. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Gregory Herz - April 2 - 7:06 am

  I just recently purchased this truck, however, I am impressed at how well it has held up. Ive caught up on required maintenance. Though expensive, I should have many thousands of miles to look forward to without having to pay for repairs. Ride is great, I forget Im in a truck.

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  I wanted to purchase a Toyota Tacoma! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Peter Tharp - April 1 - 10:58 pm

  I used various web tools to try to locate the Tacoma I wanted but I could never get the trade in value for my vehicle to make the trade. All the great values that Tacomas were advertised for were simply ploys to get you in the dealerships where they took the value off your trade in to get more than the vehicle I wanted to buy was worth. Like everything--there is no much smoke and mirrors and dishonest advertising.

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  Overall not bad - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Ian - March 31 - 7:53 pm

  This month is my Yaris first birthday and being my first new car, it has been a pretty decent experience after 15,000 miles. Very reliable car, no engine issues, manual is almost... fun sometimes. Air works well, and stereo is not bad. Only issues Ive had are the easily scratched panels, very annoying... also the panels where seat belts are get gauged. My Camry had a more resilient interior. Gas mileage is excellent, best I got was 360 miles to one tank on the hwy, and for an 11 gallon tank, that aint too shabby. The exterior damages way too easily also. Bumpers on this car are horrible and expensive to repair, try not to back into anything, its going to be over 500 to fix. Good car overall.

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  TOO MANY PROBLEMS - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Morello - March 30 - 3:33 pm

  I love the engine in this car. V6 has more power than you will ever need. However, there are too many problems with the transmission. Hesitations at acceleration, constantly shifting gears for no reason. Very cheap plastic parts and terrible squeaks and rattles.

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  Small things count - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Go4it - March 29 - 5:20 am

  I purchased my Solara in the Fall of 04. Although Toyota quality is apparent...small shortcomings have detracted from my enjoyment of the car. For whatever reason Toyota elected not to install "foldback" type outside rearview mirrors. When shopping or parking in tight spaces people try to fold back the mirrors. The compass windshield mirror vibrates over 60 MPH which produces a distorted image that is very annoying. The front seats are not as comfortable as they first appear...especially on longer trips. Lastly, the car has a "drive by wire" feature which causes a slight hesitation when you first depress the gas pedal...hard to get used to. Small complaints perhaps but they add up.

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  Back to the LC I Go - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By David C - March 29 - 12:03 am

  I had a 1999 LC and then sadly moved to a 2003 Seqouia (larger size). Seqouias a nice truck but I could not stand the size/dimensions/fit-finish. Frankly, as my Seqouia review ("It aint no LC"), the build quality did not equal my 99 LC. Well, I turned the Seqouia in early (from my lease) and have come running back to a 2005 LC (over the new Land Rover). Love the additional features (back up camera is neat). Maintains the sturdy/smooth/fit-finish qualities that I missed but I was somewhat disappointed in not updating some of the annoying features (like the bulky way in folding the 3rd seats). All in all, I will not make the same mistake again. Landcruiser for life.

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  Better than new - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Dylan - March 28 - 4:16 pm

  Bought in 05 with 148000 kms in perfect condition. Very well built (much better than most new cars), incredibly reliable, but a bit boring. The V6 is very smooth and quiet but it lacks low end torque and seems to bog if you step on it. Ride is very smooth but floaty and needs to be more controlled. Steering is not very sharp. Tranny shifts well most of the time, but short shifts in normal mode and hangs on to revs too much in power mode. Quality of materials and build is awesome. Leather is excellent quality but front seat padding is hard and pinches the thighs. Overall a very good car with some minor shortcomings.

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  Lexus touches at a Toyota price - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Ed the Venza Owner - March 28 - 12:33 pm

  While Ive admired friends Lexus RX and NX crossovers, I couldnt justify the price. For less than the cost of a used front-drive Lexus, I purchased a Venza Limited with AWD, a dual-pane sunroof and easier-to-use power hatchback. The powertrain is smooth and the ride is quiet and composed. I love the bright and airy interior. Setting favorite stations across AM, FM, HD Radio and Sirius XM is a breeze. What havent I liked? The quality of the dash plastic is the worst of any new car Ive bought; the passenger airbag cover has an ugly gap and the glovebox door needed repairs within the first 18 months. The infotainment and navigation is average overall, and has already required one dealership visit. Gas mileage isnt great

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  BEST LOOKING TRUCK PERIOD!! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lt. Duke - March 28 - 10:53 am

  Great looking truck. Reliability is self proven. V-6 has good power. Quality is unmatched. I have had several other trucks, but this is the overall best truck I have had. Not the most comfortable truck, not a lot of fancy buttons, simple yet refined.